Should I Leave My Heat Pump On All the Time? - New Zealand Social Bookmarking Website

It’s a question we hear a lot: “Should I just leave my heat pump running all the time in winter?” Some people swear by it for comfort, others are worried about energy bills. So what’s the real answer?

At Enviro Master, we’ve helped thousands of Christchurch homeowners get the best performance from their heat pumps. Here, we break down the pros, cons, and expert advice to help you make the smartest choice for your home and your wallet.

Why Do People Leave Their Heat Pump On All the Time?

The thinking is simple: if your home stays at a consistent temperature, your heat pump won’t have to work as hard to reheat a cold space. It sounds more efficient — and in some homes, with good insulation and airtightness, that logic might hold.

Others simply prefer a consistently warm house — especially during the colder Canterbury months when getting out of bed can be a chore.

But is that approach really saving you money — or costing you more?

The Downsides of Running Your Heat Pump 24/7

While it may sound like a convenient option, running your heat pump all day and night comes with some key disadvantages:

Higher Electricity Bills

Even though heat pumps are efficient, they still use electricity. If your system runs non-stop — even when no one’s home or during warmer parts of the day — you’re using energy that isn’t delivering any real benefit.

Increased Wear and Tear

Like any mechanical system, continuous operation can reduce the lifespan of your heat pump. Compressors and fans are built to last, but they’ll last longer if they get regular breaks.

Overheating or Inefficient Heating

Most homes don’t need constant heating, especially in Christchurch where the winter days are cool, but not extreme. Heating during midday or overnight may be entirely unnecessary, leading to wasted energy.

What EECA and Other NZ Experts Recommend

The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) offers clear advice: don’t leave your heat pump on all the time. Instead, use a timer or scheduling feature to run your system only when it’s needed — typically in the morning and evening.

In a Consumer NZ article, their energy adviser echoed this guidance: “If you’re leaving it running all day when you’re not home, you’re probably wasting energy.”

Even heat pump manufacturers like Rinnai and Mitsubishi Electric support using smart operation features rather than defaulting to 24/7 use.

A Smarter Way: How to Use Your Heat Pump Efficiently

The good news is you don’t have to choose between comfort and efficiency. Here’s how to get the best of both:

Use Timers or Schedulers

Set your heat pump to turn on about 30 minutes before you get up or arrive home, and off when you leave or go to bed.

Avoid Overnight Operation

Most people sleep better in cooler temperatures. Unless your home gets extremely cold overnight, it’s often unnecessary to heat through the night.

Use Wi-Fi Control

If your heat pump has a Wi-Fi module, you can turn it on remotely before heading home. That means comfort without waste.

Trap the Heat

Close curtains before the sun sets, seal draughts, and shut doors to unheated rooms to reduce heat loss.

Use Eco or Energy-Saving Mode

Most modern heat pumps come with an energy-saving mode that balances temperature with lower energy use.

Why Climate Matters: Christchurch Homes vs the Rest of NZ

One of the key factors in deciding whether to leave your heat pump on is your local climate. Here in Canterbury, our winters are cold, but not extreme — especially compared to places like Central Otago.

What This Means:

During the day, homes often get sun exposure that naturally warms them, especially north-facing ones.
At night, temperatures drop, but insulation and curtains can help retain warmth.
Older homes with poor insulation may lose heat faster, but that doesn’t mean the answer is 24/7 heating — it means upgrading insulation and sealing gaps may be more cost-effective.